Even though there is still no official Android 4.4 based custom ROM available for the Sony Xperia S, you can still test the latest Android firmware on your own smartphone by choosing a ported version of the KitKat software. For example, by using this tutorial you can install the Pure AOSP custom ROM on your Xperia S for updating to unofficial Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS. Unfortunately the firmware is still on development stage, though the update can be safely installed for a daily use – read more details related to the Pure AOSP system by checking the lines from below.

As I have already mentioned this version of Pure AOSP firmware is not yet official, those of xda-developers (we have them to thanks for this step by step guide) still working in providing a stable Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. Anyway, if you choose to flash this update on your Xperia S you will apply the latest Android OS along with important features, apps and capabilities on your device. Also, don’t worry as soon a stable variant of the ROM will be provided, so all the present bugs will be resolved.

According to those who have already installed Android 4.4.2 Pure AOSP on Sony Xperia S, there are some problems with FM Radio (it is not working), HDMI connection and with SELinux. Besides the mentioned issues it seems that all the other features are smoothly running on the Xperia S. Anyhow, before completing this tutorial it should be clear for you that the AOSP firmware is not an official Android 4.4.2 update released by Google or by Sony. In fact, the update is being developed by third party devs and represents a free aftermarket distribution on Android platform. That’s why this operation isn’t official and that’s why Pure AOSP can be only manually installed on your smartphone.

The Pure AOSP ROM can be flashed only if you have a rooted Sony Xperia S installed with the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. By gaining root access you will prepare your phone for the update operation as the factory and default restrictions will be removed from your phone. So, after gaining root access you will be able to access the internal system of your phone for performing operations like: overclocking the CPU, installing a custom ROM or kernel, flashing a custom recovery image, remove the bloatware and so on.

CWM and TWRP recovery are custom recovery images. A custom recovery image is being required because a custom ROM can be installed only by using the same. Now, when completing these operations the warranty of your device will get void. So, if you think that something bad might happen with your phone the best will be to stop going any further (if you follow compatible step by step guides everything will be fine). Also the warranty can be easily restored as all you have to do for revoking the root access is to downgrade / update your Xperia S to stock / official Android OS.

Another thing to do before heading to the proper update operation is a backup. You see, a wipe will be required or else the Pure AOSP Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware will not run properly on your Xperia S. So, the best will be to save everything that’s important for you like text messages, call logs, market apps, personal info, accounts and data or contacts list. Furthermore, you should also make a Nandroid backup for saving the current ROM – if this software will be too buggy then you will be able to return to stock Android OS (or use another firmware like the Android 4.3.1 based OmniROM).

Since this a manual update procedure, if you want to safely complete the same you will have to ensure that a computer or notebook can be used. Your phone will have to be connected with your computer so its USB cable must be near you. Due to same considerations, on your device the USB debugging option must be enabled – go to path “menu – settings – developer options”. On the other hand, on your computer you need to deactivate the security protections like antivirus or antimalware programs – the tools might interrupt our installation procedure. Furthermore, your Xperia S should be charged or else it might get turned off in the middle of the update operation – you can brick your phone if that happens.

This step by step guide must be followed only by the Sony Xperia S users. The Pure AOSP Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS mentioned here is being compatible only with this smartphone. Don’t use the steps from below in other circumstances.

Repeat this step if you want to flash Google Apps package on your phone.

And in the end just select “reboot system now”.

Perfect, you are done. You have installed Android 4.4.2 KitKat based Pure AOSP custom ROM firmware on your Sony Xperia S. As I have mentioned before, the ROM is not stable so there you will find several bugs and things that aren’t working properly or aren’t working at all. Do share your experience and results with us and with other users that might want to flash this software. We will assist you with new updates as soon as something new comes out for your smartphone.

Comments

Amit Gupta · 3 years ago

Just posting for the benefit of whoever it may concern -

Hey Guys - My device is Sony Xperia L26ii I had tried practically everything available on internet to install Kitkat ( I had jellybean originally ). Nothing worked until I landed here.

This tutorial works like a charm.

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nibin · 3 years ago

my phone s dead..is any way to switch on?

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Amit Gupta · 3 years ago

Try following

Press volume up, and connect your phone to USB ( make sure to keep volume down button pushed while you connect your USB to computer ). See if your blue led turns on. ( Try with volume down if this doesn't work ). If this blue light turns on, there is still a hope that your phone can be fixed.

Got the same problem. Gapps not working and lost root. How can I get back my root access as there appear two su accounts now and I cannot flash an other rom without root!?!?

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Mark · 4 years ago

Why is there no date on this article? I'm trying to work out how old this information is so I know whether the custom ROM I'm currently using is newer or older than the one mentioned here. It's a bit crazy not putting dates on news articles!

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Kim Van Renterghem · 4 years ago

the google app link is not working?! cann you the correct link?

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Elio Nicolás Frongia · 5 years ago

I made mistake and my phone is in a boot loop when I power it on. I flashed the 6.2.B.0.211 kernely only with flashtool after having pure aosp 4.4.2 installed and working. This flash made the phone to not start normally again. Is the kernel for this aosp version available somewhere so I can flash it?

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Elio Nicolás Frongia · 5 years ago

How can I downgrade this ROM to the stock ROM? As the GPS does not work, and renderization is not optimized, I'd like to go back to the original Android version, but I don't have root permission anymore, and as this Pure AOSP version does not come with a recovery method, I don't know how can I go back. Any idea?

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braz · 5 years ago

Just did all the steps and after the reboot (step 13) the phone has "died". It doesn't turn on... now checking all the foruns to see how to put it back live..... will update here.

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Mahir abaker · 5 years ago

my xperia s
also dead mode
hooooooowwwwwww to fix it

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Mahir abaker · 5 years ago

if you put ur phone back please let me know you

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HIMA CHARAN REDDY · 4 years ago

u have to install sony official os using flash tool

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himacharan · 4 years ago

if you find any methods that make phone to work please inform to me at himacharantr@gmail.com
thanks in advance

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mg7 · 5 years ago

No need to unlock bootloader?

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hanu valluri · 5 years ago

Google Apps link not found.. please help

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Xdinovations · 5 years ago

Are there any pther reported errors?

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Karl · 5 years ago

Will this also work for the Xperia SL as the only difference AFAIK is the clocking of the CPU?

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Gurvinder · 5 years ago

I have the same question, will this rom work with Xperia SL?

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ihsan · 4 years ago

YES

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ihsan · 4 years ago

YES THIS ROM WORK WITHE XPERIA SL

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FahadR · 5 years ago

GAPPS FILE Link not workig - File not found error
help to download gapps file